Taking the 12 Steps Up—and Down—Kilimanjaro is more than a travelogue or adventure memoir; it is a testament to the power of twelve-step programs to enable addicts to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives as they recover from their addictions.

Robert P.’s journey toward recovery began more than forty years ago when he first joined Overeaters Anonymous. As he learned he had to face multiple addictions, Twelve-Step Fellowships helped him to rebuild his life and to heal himself, his finances, and his heart. For his fifty-fifth birthday, he went skydiving, so for his sixtieth, Robert took on an inspiring challenging to raise the stakes and put his resolve—and his recovery—to the ultimate test. He decided to climb Kilimanjaro in the letter and spirit of the twelve steps and twelve traditions.

Through painful experience, Robert learned dozens of recovery—and life—lessons as he scaled the famous summit. He couldn’t reach the peak alone, and he pays sincere tribute to the team that got him safely up and down the mountain.

Robert shares both his inward journey toward lasting recovery and his breathtaking experience on the “Mother Mountain” herself in Taking the 12 Steps Up—and Down—Kilimanjaro.

Product description

Product Description

Taking the 12 Steps Up—and Down—Kilimanjaro is more than a travelogue or adventure memoir; it is a testament to the power of twelve-step programs to enable addicts to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives as they recover from their addictions.

Robert P.’s journey toward recovery began more than forty years ago when he first joined Overeaters Anonymous. As he learned he had to face multiple addictions, Twelve-Step Fellowships helped him to rebuild his life and to heal himself, his finances, and his heart. For his fifty-fifth birthday, he went skydiving, so for his sixtieth, Robert took on an inspiring challenging to raise the stakes and put his resolve—and his recovery—to the ultimate test. He decided to climb Kilimanjaro in the letter and spirit of the twelve steps and twelve traditions.

Through painful experience, Robert learned dozens of recovery—and life—lessons as he scaled the famous summit. He couldn’t reach the peak alone, and he pays sincere tribute to the team that got him safely up and down the mountain.

Robert shares both his inward journey toward lasting recovery and his breathtaking experience on the “Mother Mountain” herself in Taking the 12 Steps Up—and Down—Kilimanjaro.

Most helpful customer reviews on Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 starsThis is a fascinating and inspirational story that was at times funny, terrifying

15 January 2018 - Published on Amazon.com

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I have known Robert P and participated in a 12 Step program with him for over 5 years. When he asked me to read his manuscript and offer feedback, I was most interested. This is a fascinating and inspirational story that was at times funny, terrifying, and sad. In reading this book I felt that I was on both a thrilling external journey and an inspiring internal one. I couldn’t wait to see the final work and have my own copy. (Looks like I was the first to purchase it).Anyone with an interest in addiction recovery or climbing Kilimanjaro is likely to find this book most compelling. The narrative does a great job of presenting the parallel lessons learned from the challenges of twelve step recovery and high altitude climbing. The black and white photographs significantly added to my appreciation. It will occupy a favored spot on my bookshelf.

5.0 out of 5 starsWhat an interesting book--a spiritual journey mapped on top of a geographical adventure

12 February 2018 - Published on Amazon.com

The last of the Twelve Steps refers to "[practicing] these principles in all our affairs." The implicit assertion is that the Twelve Steps offer not just a means of recovery from addiction but also a powerful framework for dealing with the rest of life's challenges. Robert P illustrates this proposition compellingly. His ascent of Kilimanjaro at the age of 60 with a group of strangers posed scary physical, psychological, and social challenges, particularly for someone who tends by temperament to be an anti-authoritarian outsider. This book is an engaging and convincing story of how the lessons learned from decades of work on his recovery from multiple addictions proved to be hugely useful in helping him understand and overcome those difficulties.

All in all, reading this was a "two-fer": a finely-detailed travel adventure combined with a powerful portrait of the traveller's soul.

“Every journey up and down a mountain begins with one step—and continues to the second.”

Literally one step at a time Robert P. takes a journey, physical and spiritual, up and down Kilimanjaro. As he learns lessons of survival he also surmises the value of honesty, hope, faith, courage, integrity, willingness, humility, self-discipline, love, perseverance, spirituality, and service. At 60 he comes to terms with his own defects of character and mortality. Details of his adventure coincide with his growth through the 12 Steps of recovery. The practical concerns of gloves and boots reveal not only the challenges of his odyssey but the frustrations, dependency and conflicts of the travelers and their crew. He realizes that compassion means “The team is ONLY as strong as the support of the strongest members give the weakest link.” It is an adventure to read.

Just finished this wonderful book ! Well written and a very good read. Whether you are a "12 stepper", interested in Mt. Kilimanjaro or simply want to explore some valuable life lessons, this is the book. I think everyone can gain some wisdom from this book and maybe look at their life in a different light. Like they say, "Take what you like and leave the rest." Well done !